Kerosene price nears N4,000 as household energy costs soar nationwide

The average retail price of household kerosene rose sharply across Nigeria in April 2026, with several states recording prices close to ₦4,000 per litre, according to the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data.

The report showed that residents of Sokoto, Lagos and Kebbi paid some of the highest prices, as kerosene—once a major household fuel—continues to become increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians.

Kerosene use has steadily declined over the years following the widespread adoption of cooking gas.

However, the removal of subsidy in 2016, combined with currency depreciation and inflationary pressures, has driven a sustained increase in prices.

The NBS “Household Kerosene Price Watch” for April 2026 revealed that Sokoto recorded the highest average price at ₦3,965.10 per litre, followed by Kebbi at ₦3,808.75 and Lagos at ₦3,790.90. Katsina, Edo, Niger, Plateau and Zamfara also recorded high average prices above ₦3,300 per litre.

In contrast, Bayelsa posted the lowest average price at ₦1,815.40, followed by Kogi and Yobe, which remained below ₦2,300 per litre.

The report also highlighted significant month-on-month and year-on-year increases in several states. Bauchi recorded the highest annual surge at over 108 per cent, indicating that prices more than doubled compared to the previous year.

Lagos and Nasarawa also recorded steep increases above 70 per cent.

At the zonal level, the North-West recorded the highest average kerosene prices nationwide, while the North-Central also saw notable increases driven by rising energy costs.

The NBS further noted that the average price of kerosene per gallon has also surged, worsening the burden on low-income households already grappling with high cooking gas and electricity costs.

Energy analysts warn that many families may increasingly turn to cheaper but less clean alternatives such as firewood and charcoal, as household energy inflation continues to rise.